Hello Kitty is not actually a cat, despite its name and feline appearance. This news comes courtesy of Sanrio, the makers of Hello Kitty, which insists Hello Kitty should be taken to be more abstract than literal.

This seems to have upset and astounded lots of people, but I cannot quite understand why.

Sure, the obvious explanation is that Hello Kitty is a cat. But it’s a cartoon character, so it can be whatever you want it to be. Which is the ultimate point.

Regardless, this video offers proof that Hello Kitty is not a cat, by explaining the differences between a real cat and Hello Kitty. Surprise, surprise, it isn’t anatomically accurate.